Mechanical restraint: (42 CFR 482.13(1)(i)) A physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or adjacent to the behavioral health recipient's body that he or she cannot easily remove that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body. Mechanical restraint does not include a device, material or equipment:

  • Used for surgical or orthopedic purposes; or
  • Necessary to allow a behavioral health recipient to heal from a medical condition or to participate in a treatment program for a medical condition.